Fire Hydrants

Fire hydrant signs

Across the estate there are a number of fire hydrant signs comprising small yellow plates and featuring a black capital “H” that indicates the location of nearby underground water systems for firefighters. Above and below the horizontal line in the “H” are two numbers: the top number shows the water main diameter, while the bottom number indicates the distance from the sign. On older signs the numbers were given in imperial measurements: the top number in inches, bottom number in feet. On newer signs the numbers are given in metric: the top number in millimetres, bottom number in metres.

Some of the original signs were secured to the low brick front garden wall and faced the pavement. It was important that these signs remained visible and clear. Currently there is at least one modern sign – on Harefield Drive – that is positioned high up on a lamp post. In some cases, modern numbers have been written on old signs. Some signs are badly faded and difficult to read.

The following photographs are surviving examples of these signs.

In addition to the above, there are several other fire hydrants across the estate but without the yellow plate being nearby.

Fire hydrant covers

These are usually rectangular or square and often stamped with the letters “FH” to identify them as fire hydrants. One – in Granville Gardens – has the words “FIRE HYDRANT” stamped on it. They are typically manufactured from heavy-duty ductile iron to withstand heavy loads and prevent damage. These covers sit flush with the pavement and hide an underground chamber containing a dry-barrel hydrant valve; they are designed to be easily removed by firefighters in an emergency using a hook-handle tool.

A few examples are shown here.

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